Kevin Kempton
Papers
1
Total Citations
14
H-Index
1
About
Kevin Kempton is a leading figure in autonomous precision landing and hazard detection and avoidance technology for planetary exploration. His key research areas encompass the development and flight validation of advanced 3-D imaging sensors, particularly Flash Lidar systems, designed to enable safe, autonomous landings on extraterrestrial bodies. Kempton’s major contribution is the creation and helicopter flight testing of a compact, real-time, air-cooled 3-D Flash Lidar sensor, which integrates cutting-edge industrial and NASA components to image hazardous terrain during planetary landing. This work, detailed in his highly cited 2013 paper, demonstrates a critical step toward operational hazard detection systems for future missions. With over 14 citations, this research has significantly influenced the design of autonomous landing technologies. Kempton’s achievements include successfully bridging the gap between laboratory characterization and real-world flight validation, proving the sensor’s robustness in dynamic environments. His efforts are foundational to NASA’s Autonomous Precision Landing and Hazard Detection and Avoidance Technology program, positioning him as a key innovator in enabling safer, more reliable planetary landings.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1